Entry-Level Construction Manager Salary in Needham, MA: $84,170 (2026)
Quick Answer:New construction managers entering the Needham, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,170 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 11-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Needham's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,576 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($138,535) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on a career as a construction manager in Needham, Massachusetts, the starting income can be a key factor in decision-making. Entry-level positions are projected to offer salaries beginning at around $84,170 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the city median of $138,535, it represents an entry point with ample room for growth. Newly minted graduates can expect a trajectory that takes them from initial wages of approximately $105,611 at the 25th percentile to the median over the first three to five years. Given the robust demand for construction management professionals in Needham, influenced by a booming construction sector, it is a favorable market for recent graduates looking to establish their careers.
About the Needham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($135,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Needham
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Needham
Entry-level construction managers in Needham, MA typically start between $84,170 and $105,611 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $130,560 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $138,535 — 16.49% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average construction management program cost in Massachusetts of $110,000 represents just 130.69% of the starting construction manager pay ($84,170/year) in Needham. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACCE-accredited construction management bachelor's programs at public and private universities. In-state public tuition at the low end; private universities at the high end. Many employers sponsor PMP/CCM certifications post-graduation.
CM Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Needham
- 1Research the Needham market: entry-level construction manager pay ranges from $84,170 to $105,611, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the construction management field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Needham, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Needham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Needham's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Construction Manager Compensation Range
The construction manager wage spread in Needham is $130,560 ( 155.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,170, experienced hygienists can earn up to $214,730.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,563
2025 BLS Actual
$81,387
2026 Current Est.
$84,170
2019–2027 Growth
+32.8%
Salary Trajectory for Construction Managers in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.42% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,563 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,427 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,129 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,652 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,303 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,387 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,170 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,049 | Projected |
Entry-level construction manager compensation (10th percentile) in Needham, MA grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,563 in 2019 to $81,387 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,049. New graduates entering the Needham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Needham metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.42% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your construction management Career in Needham
In Needham, several prominent employers actively seek new graduates for entry-level construction management roles. Large general contractors such as Bechtel, Skanska, Turner, and Whiting-Turner commonly recruit through engineering campus pipelines for assistant project manager positions. Specialty contractors often focus on trade-specific pathways to attract qualified candidates. New professionals in this field typically enhance their entry-level pay potential by obtaining relevant credentials, such as a Bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering. Adding certifications like the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from the CMAA or the Project Management Professional (PMP), alongside practical experience, is essential for long-term advancement. With the current mega-project boom involving data centers and EV battery plants driving demand for construction managers, new entrants can realistically expect salary growth and career advancement opportunities over the first few years within this market.
More salary data for Needham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new construction management graduates. A 3.42% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Needham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Needham is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.42%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for construction managers (SOC 11-9021).
Compiled and verified by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov